U.S. patent number 6,857,958 [Application Number 09/293,509] was granted by the patent office on 2005-02-22 for gaming machine.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Aruze Corporation. Invention is credited to Akira Osawa.
United States Patent |
6,857,958 |
Osawa |
February 22, 2005 |
Gaming machine
Abstract
A gaming machine has a variable display for displaying graphical
information corresponding to a graphical element of a principal
game; a controller coupled to the variable display for causing the
variable display to display the graphical information; and a
secondary display for displaying an image. The image of the
secondary display is used in a secondary game that is different
from the principal game, and is responsive to one of a plurality of
predetermined principal game playing states. A player can win the
secondary game and the principal game in the variable display. The
images in the secondary display constitute a history of the
predetermined states that have been presented in the variable
display during the principal game.
Inventors: |
Osawa; Akira (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Aruze Corporation (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
14385523 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/293,509 |
Filed: |
April 15, 1999 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Apr 15, 1998 [JP] |
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10-104621 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20; 463/27;
463/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F
17/3267 (20130101); G07F 17/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G07F
17/32 (20060101); A63F 013/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;463/20,27,31,16-22
;273/143R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0 449 433 |
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Oct 1991 |
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EP |
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2106685 |
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Apr 1983 |
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GB |
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2222712 |
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Mar 1990 |
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GB |
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2242300 |
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Sep 1991 |
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GB |
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61-113488 |
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May 1986 |
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JP |
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WO 96/22586 |
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Jul 1996 |
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WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Banks; Derris H.
Assistant Examiner: Mosser; Robert
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gaming machine for use by a player, the gaming machine
comprising: a variable display for displaying graphical information
corresponding to at least one of a plurality of graphical elements
necessary for a principal game, the principal game having
associated therewith a plurality of predetermined display states,
the predetermined display states corresponding to predetermined
combinations of the graphical elements of the principal game; a
controller coupled to said variable display for causing said
variable display to display the graphical information; and a
secondary display having a plurality of display areas each for
displaying a plurality of a corresponding predetermined single kind
of symbol image, each such predetermined single kind of symbol
image corresponding to a respectively associated one of the
plurality of predetermined display states displayed as a result of
the principal game, the number of the corresponding predetermined
single kind of symbol image displayed in each of the display areas
being increased each time that the principal game results in the
associated one of the predetermined display states, thereby
advancing a secondary game and providing indication of the history
of appearance of the associated one of the plurality of
predetermined display states.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the secondary game is
completed when any one of the display areas of said secondary
display is filled with a predetermined number of the corresponding
predetermined single kind of symbol image.
3. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein an award is given to a
player when the secondary game is completed.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein a respective
predetermined value is assigned to each display area of said
secondary display.
5. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the completion of the
secondary game is responsive to at least one of the display areas
of said secondary display becomes filled with the corresponding
predetermined single kind of symbol image.
6. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein said controller is
coupled to said secondary display and executes a reset operation of
said secondary display when the secondary game is completed.
7. The gaming machine of claim 6, wherein said controller executes
a reset operation of said secondary display, after any one of the
display areas of said secondary display has been filled with the
corresponding predetermined single kind of symbol image.
8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the display area that is
filled with the corresponding predetermined single kind of symbol
image is cleared to a blank condition in response to the execution
of the reset operation.
9. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the plurality of display
areas of said secondary display is cleared to a blank condition in
response to the execution of the reset operation.
10. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein said controller is
arranged to perform a selection between a first reset operation for
clearing exclusively the display area of said secondary display
that is filled with the corresponding predetermined single kind of
symbol image to a blank condition, and a second reset operation for
clearing all of the display areas of said secondary display to a
blank condition.
11. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein said secondary display
is further provided with an allotment display portion for
indicating a first value representing an allotment given to a
player by the secondary game for each kind of symbol image, the
first value being converted to a new value in response to a
selectable one of multiplication and augmentation of the first
value by a predetermined number after the reset operation.
12. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the principal game
includes a selectable one of a slot game and a poker game.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to gaming machines, and more
particularly to gaming machines such as a slot machine, a
"Pachi-Slo," a video poker, or the like that have a variable
display for displaying image information representative of a
plurality of symbols necessary for a game and a controller such as
a microcomputer for controlling the variation action of the
variable display.
2. Description of the Related Art
A gaming machine such as a slot machine or a "Pachi-Slo" usually
has a mechanical variable display formed of rotatable display
elements that are provided with a plurality of symbols disposed on
peripheral surfaces thereof. The symbols are visible through a
display window at the front of the slot machine. Alternatively, an
electrical variable display is formed of indicating elements with
symbols on a display screen. In response to a "start" operation by
a player, a controller drives the variable display to start the
rotation of each rotatable display element and to stop the rotation
of each rotatable display element in a determined sequence
automatically after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or
in response to initiation of a "stop" operation by the player. When
the rotation of all of the rotatable display elements has ceased,
there is shown a specific combination of symbols (winning pattern)
in the display window. The player is then given an award by paying
out gaming medium such as coins.
In a popular model of a slot machine, a "win" corresponding to a
predetermined plurality of winning symbols being completely
positioned on the winning line of the display when rotation of the
rotatable display elements ceases occurs only when a win has been
established by a system internal to the gaming machine. In a
practical machine, this happens when a sampling operation of a
random number issued by a microcomputer has been determined to
constitute a win.
However, because a result (i.e., win or loss) of the game is
determined by an internal procedure of the gaming machine, the
skill of the player is not reflected in the game result and the
game itself becomes monotonous. As the result, there is a problem
that the player tends to tire and loses interest in playing another
game.
One known approach to alleviating the aforementioned problem of the
gaming machine is to provide a gaming machine having a variable
display and a further display, which such as a liquid crystal
display or the like, by which a secondary game that is different
from the principal game by the reels is played. One known approach
employs a virtual race game wherein three kinds of special symbols
are established for the principal game and three kinds of secondary
images corresponding to the three kinds of special symbols,
respectively, are established for the secondary game. Whenever one
of the special symbols stands on a winning line, the secondary
image corresponding to that special symbol is moved on the liquid
crystal display whereby it competes with the other secondary
images. That is, the frequency of appearance of each special symbol
causes its corresponding secondary image to move along the further
display at a corresponding rate. The secondary images appear
therefore to race, and when one of the secondary images reaches a
predetermined position, the player wins an award.
In the known gaming machine described hereinabove, however, the
secondary game proceeds simply when a special symbol of the
principal game stands on the winning line. In other words, the
secondary game proceeds with no relation to the result of the
principal game. Accordingly, when a player endeavors to win the
principal game, i.e., by the rotatable reels, the secondary game
oftentimes proceeds without being noticed by the player. The player
therefore does not achieve a sense of relationship between the
principal game and the secondary game, and the player's enthusiasm
to play to the gaming machine is not raised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a gaming machine wherein
a player can earn a profit or receive an award that is increased in
response to a secondary game that is played supplemental to a
principal game. The secondary game is effected in a variable, or
secondary, display that variably displays a plurality of symbols
that are used in the principal game, whereby the player achieves a
feeling of high excitement to win the principal game, the feeling
of expectation being enhanced by the secondary game which proceeds
in response to a predetermined state of the principal game.
According to this invention, there is provided a gaming machine for
use by a player, the gaming machine having: a variable display for
displaying graphical information corresponding to at least one of a
plurality of graphical elements necessary for a principal game; a
controller coupled to the variable display to display the graphical
information; and a secondary display for displaying an image, the
image displayed by the secondary display being necessary for
playing a secondary game that is different from the principal game.
Moreover, the secondary display displays the image when the playing
of the principal game results in one of a plurality of
predetermined principal game playing states.
The predetermined state includes, for example, a predetermined
display that is shown when the variation action (e.g., the rotating
reels) of the variable display is stopped. In other words, a
predetermined winning combination of symbols (winning pattern) of
the principal game and a combination of symbols (pattern) are
predetermined to cause a particular symbol image to be shown on the
secondary display.
The controller controls variation action of the variable display in
gaming time. The result of the game, that is, "win" or "loss,"
appears depending upon the pattern that is shown at the time when
the variation action has stopped. The secondary display presents an
indication that is necessary for playing the secondary game, the
secondary game being different from the principal game performed by
the variable display. The indication in the secondary display
appears when the variation in the action of the variable display is
stopped and the principal game results in any one of a plurality of
predetermined states. Consequently, a player of this novel gaming
machine enjoys the possibility of winning the secondary game in
addition to the principal game. Further in accordance with the
invention, the indication in the secondary display is a display of
a record of the history of predetermined states that have resulted
during the playing of the principal game.
In a preferred embodiment, the secondary game includes a game
whereby the player can obtain an award when a plurality of
predetermined images are arranged either in a certain direction or
at predetermined positions in the secondary display.
The secondary display may include an electric display, such as
liquid crystal, CRT, or LED, or combinations thereof, as well as
mechanical displays having rotating display elements of structure
as are used in conventional slot machines. The image displayed by
the secondary display includes those indicated electrically such as
various kinds of letters and figures, animations, light(s) flashing
on and off, and the like, as well as those drawn on a reel surface
such as symbols or patterns.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the secondary display is
provided with a secondary display screen that indicates a plurality
of individual symbol images, each such symbol image corresponding
to a respectively associated one of the predetermined principal
game playing states. Each symbol image is displayed on the
secondary display screen when the principal game results in its
respectively associated principal game playing state. Consequently,
the secondary game can correspond to the result of the game by the
variable display. A player would endeavor to stop the variation
action at a winning state that is profitable for the secondary
game, while simultaneously endeavoring to win the principal game.
It is a particular advantage of the present invention that
amusement shops can easily regulate the frequency of execution of
the secondary game by adjusting the frequency of appearance of the
predetermined state.
In one embodiment, the number of symbol images that are displayed
on the secondary display screen is responsive to the resulting
predetermined game playing state, so that a player can enjoy an
effort at a "winning pattern" whereby a large number of symbol
images are indicated at once on the secondary display screen when
the principal game is executed by the variable display.
In another embodiment, the secondary display screen is provided
with a plurality of display areas each for displaying a respective
plurality of a particular associated one of the symbol images. Each
of the display areas are adapted to display the plurality of the
respectively associated symbol image successively alongside each
other, so that a player can maintain awareness of the condition of
the secondary game by watching the symbol images as they are
indicated successively.
In a further embodiment it is determined that a player can earn a
profit or receive an award when the information displayed on the
secondary display screen satisfies a predetermined condition. The
predetermined condition includes, for example, completion of the
secondary game, as would be the case when any of the display areas
is shown as being filled with successive symbol images. Such a
filling of a display area constitutes, in this specific
illustrative embodiment of the invention, a win of the secondary
game. In this embodiment, the player can enjoy the secondary game
like a "race game" in which the accumulation of the respective
symbol images compete to reach right-hand terminals of each display
areas, which are each assumed to be a goal. The secondary game has
an aspect of a "race game," as mentioned above, and additionally
provides an indication of the history of appearance of the
predetermined states of the primary game, as mentioned above. The
player can easily recognize what kind of the predetermined state
furthers the likelihood of winning or losing the secondary game by
observing the area or number of the symbol image indicated.
Accordingly, in the progress of the secondary game, when a
profitable state as to a specific symbol image is close, the player
expects that the stop display of the principal game may become a
pattern for indicating the specific symbol image of the secondary
game.
There are provided in the practice of the invention various
secondary games, some of which may be responsive to effecting a
change in the amount of the award given to the player in response
to the kind of the symbol images that are indicated in the display
area being filled.
In a preferred embodiment, the controller executes a reset
operation of the secondary display screen when the secondary screen
indicates that the predetermined condition has been satisfied. In a
single area clearing system, a display area filled with symbol
images is cleared to a blank condition in response to the execution
of the reset operation. In an all areas clear system, all of the
display areas are cleared to a blank condition in response to the
execution of the reset operation. In an optional selection system,
the controller is arranged to select between a reset operation for
clearing to a blank condition only a single display area containing
symbol images or a reset operation for clearing to a blank
condition all of the display areas.
When the reset operation of the one area clear system is executed,
the player can maintain an expectation to be awarded a further
profit if the symbols indicated in the remaining areas, i.e., the
areas other than the cleared area, are close to completion of the
second game, which if completed would constitute a profitable
condition for the player, even after the player had obtained an
award via the secondary game. However, when the reset operation of
the all areas clear system is executed, the player knows that the
completion of the secondary game is not close because the secondary
game restarts.
When the reset operation of the optional selection system is
executed, the player expects that a profitable reset operation,
such as the one area clear system, may be executed after completion
of the second game. The progress and result of the secondary game
can be varied by regulating the frequency of appearance of each
such system.
In accordance with a further specific illustrative embodiment of
the invention, the second display preferably has an allotment
display portion that indicates a value that represents an allotment
given to a player by the secondary game in response to the various
kinds of symbol images. The value corresponding to the symbol image
in the display area filled therewith is changed to a new value
produced by a selectable one of a multiplication by, or an addition
of, a predetermined number, relative to the previous value after
the reset operation. The player therefore can maintain an
expectation of receiving an award of a profit because the allotment
by the secondary game is increased even if the symbol images have
disappeared by the reset operation after the completion of the
second game.
In accordance with the present invention, the probability of
winning, and the allotment as a whole, can easily be regulated by
adjusting the frequency of appearance of the symbols necessary for
the secondary game indicated when the variation action of the
variable display of the principal game is stopped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of a specific illustrative
embodiment of the invention in the form of a slot machine;
FIG. 2 is a representation of a specific arrangement of symbols
that are to be positioned on the periphery of rotatable reels (not
shown in this figure) of a variable display device;
FIG. 3 is a representation of the frontal appearance of the
variable display device and a liquid crystal display device;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement used in the slot
machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a portion of the control operation
of a specific illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a representation that illustrates a predetermined winning
state that employs the symbol "7" at the time the variable display
has been stopped, and an indication of the predetermined state as a
symbol image "7" in a symbol image display portion of the liquid
crystal display device;
FIG. 7 is a representation that illustrates a predetermined winning
state that employs the symbol "3BAR" at the time the variable
display has been stopped, and an indication of the predetermined
state as a symbol image "3BAR" in a second symbol image display
portion of the liquid crystal display device;
FIG. 8 is a representation that illustrates a predetermined winning
state that employs the symbol "2BAR" at the time the variable
display has been stopped, and an indication of the predetermined
state as a symbol image "2BAR" in a third symbol image display
portion of the liquid crystal display device;
FIG. 9 is a representation that illustrates a predetermined winning
state that employs the symbol "3BAR" at the time the variable
display has been stopped, and an indication of the predetermined
state as a symbol image "3BAR" in the second symbol image display
portion of the liquid crystal display device, where the second
symbol image display portion of the liquid crystal display device
is filled with "3BAR" symbol images;
FIG. 10 is a representation that illustrates a state of the screen
of the liquid crystal display device after execution of reset
operation of a "one area clear system;"
FIG. 11 is a representation that illustrates a state of the screen
of the liquid crystal display device after execution of reset
operation of "all area clear system;"
FIG. 12 is a representation that illustrates a change of indication
of a coin allotment display portion of the liquid crystal display
device in "multiplied allotment system" after execution of a reset
operation;
FIG. 13 is a representation that illustrates a change of indication
of a coin allotment display portion of the liquid crystal display
device in "added allotment system" after execution of a reset
operation;
FIG. 14 is a representation that illustrates an indication state of
a symbol image display portion of the liquid crystal display device
when "2BAR-2BAR-double 2BAR" are indicated on the winning line;
FIG. 15 is a representation that illustrates an indication state of
a symbol image display portion of the liquid crystal display device
when "2BAR-double 2BAR-double 2BAR" are indicated on the winning
line;
FIG. 16 is a representation that illustrates an indication state of
a symbol image display portion of the liquid crystal display device
when "3BAR-3BAR-triple 3BAR" are indicated on the winning line;
FIG. 17 is a representation that illustrates an indication state of
a symbol image display portion of the liquid crystal display device
when "3BAR-triple 3BAR-triple 3BAR" are indicated on the winning
line;
FIG. 18 is a representation that illustrates an indication state of
a symbol image display portion of the liquid crystal display device
when "7-7-double 7" are indicated on the winning line; and
FIG. 19 is a representation of a further embodiment that
illustrates a variable display for a poker game and a liquid
crystal display device therefor:
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of a specific illustrative
embodiment of the invention in the form of a slot machine 1. Slot
machine 1 is a gaming machine that is played using a coin, a medal
or a token (not shown), and the like as game media. Hereinafter,
the game media will be referred to as "coins."
On the front face of a cabinet 2 forming a housing for slot machine
1, three display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged in a
horizontal line. Additionally, various kinds of symbols (not shown
in this figure) are displayed on the central winning line 14 or its
upper and lower positions of each display window, as will be
described later with respect to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, these
symbols are drawn on the surface of the sheet that is applied to
form peripheral planes of rotatable reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, and which
are arranged inside of cabinet 2 in predetermined relation to
display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2,
there are twenty-two positions on the surfaces of each sheet
arranged longitudinally. In the odd positions, there are arranged a
plurality of symbols, that include symbols for forming a winning
combination (winning pattern) such as "7," "BAR," or the like, as
well as other symbols. The even position remains "blank."
The rotatable reel on the peripheral surface of which is installed
a reel sheet of FIG. 2 is a mechanical moving display element,
which is an embodiment of the variable display member that forms
the variable display of the gaming machine of this invention.
Alternative embodiments of the variable display member include an
electric variable display arrangement that can display various ones
of the symbols and images on a CRT display screen or a liquid
crystal display.
On the side surface of cabinet 2 there is provided a lever 5 for
rotating the rotatable reels in response to actuation by a player
(not shown). Lever 5 is arcuately displaceable within a
predetermined range of angular motion.
A liquid crystal display 6 is provided as an illustrative secondary
display located at the center of the display windows of the front
face of cabinet 2.
The display screen of liquid crystal display 6 has a symbol image
display portion 6a on the left side and a coin allotment display
portion 6b on right side. Symbol image display portion 6a and coin
allotment display portion 6b are divided into upper, middle and
lower sections by two lines running in a side direction. In other
words, symbol image display portion 6a consists of upper display
area 6a1, middle display area 6a2 and lower display area 6a3. For
each display area, a symbol image to be indicated is previously
determined. Coin allotment display portion 6b consists of display
portions 6b1, 6b2 and 6b3 corresponding to the display areas
mentioned above, respectively. In this example, symbol image "7" is
indicated in display area 6a1, symbol image "3 BAR" is indicated in
display area 6a2, and symbol image "2BAR" is indicated in display
area 6a3. In each of display portion 6b1, 6b2 and 6b3 is indicated
a coin allotment corresponding to each symbol image to be indicated
in each display area. Indication of each symbol image is started at
a predetermined condition as described below. A plural number of
the symbol images can be indicated one-by-one successively from
left to right as viewed from the front. When any one of the three
display areas is filled with the symbol images, a predetermined
number of coins is paid out to the player, as will be described in
detail later.
Beneath liquid crystal display 6, there are provided a coin entry
slot 7 where coins of game media are inserted, a spin switch 8 for
starting the rotatable reels mentioned above by button-pushing
operation as an alternative to the actuation of start lever 5, a
1-BET switch 9 for betting only one coin credited on a game to
allow a one-time button-pushing operation, a maximum BET switch 10
for betting maximum numbers of coins that can be bet on one time of
game, and a C/P switch 11 for changing credit/pay out of coins
acquired by the player as a result of the button-pushing
operations. Beneath the front face of cabinet 2 there is provided a
coin tray 13 for saving coins paid out via a coin chute 12 in
response to the actuation of C/P switch 11.
FIG. 4 shows a circuit construction that includes a controller for
controlling operation procedure of games in slot machine 1 and
peripheral equipment, i.e. actuators that are electrically
connected thereto.
In this specific illustrative embodiment of the invention, control
is effected by a microcomputer 20 and a random number sampling
circuit 27 that is coupled thereto. Microcomputer 20 includes a CPU
21 that executes control operations according to a preset program,
and a ROM 22 and a RAM 23 as system memory. CPU 21 has connected
thereto a clock pulse generator 24 for generating a reference clock
pulse, a frequency divider 25, a random number generator 26 for
generating random numbers to be sampled, and previously mentioned
random number sampling circuit 27. The random number sampling may
be executed in microcomputer 20, i.e. in an operation program of
CPU 21. In such a case, random number generator 26 and random
number sampling circuit 27 either would not be provided as discrete
systems, or they would be used to backup the random number sampling
operation.
In ROM 22 of microcomputer 20, in addition to the game control
system for the slot machine, there are stored information and data
necessary for executing procedures to indicate plural numbers of
display images described later on the screen of liquid crystal
display 6.
In the circuit of FIG. 4, operations of main actuators are
controlled by control signals from microcomputer 20. The main
actuators include stepping motors 15L, 15C, and 15R for driving
each reel 4L, 4C, or 4R mentioned above, a hopper 30 (including a
driver for pay out) that accommodates coins of game media and
above-mentioned display screen. These actuators are each connected
to the outputs of CPU 21 via a motor drive circuit 31, a hopper
drive circuit 32 and a liquid crystal drive circuit 16,
respectively. These drive circuits receive control signals such as
driving commands outputted from CPU 21 and control the operations
of the actuators, respectively.
Furthermore, the input signals necessary for microcomputer 20 to
generate control signals are provided by coin sensor 7S that
detects coins (not shown) inserted into coin entry slot 7, a start
switch 5S that detects the operations of start lever 5, spin switch
8, 1-BET switch 9, maximum BET switch 10, C/P switch 11, reel
position detector circuit 34 for receiving pulse signals from the
reel rotation detector of the variable display and supplying
signals for detecting the position of each reel to CPU 21, and
signal generator 36 for completion of coin pay out supply signals
to CPU 21 when the counted value of coin detector 35 for detecting
coins paid out from hopper 30 reaches the predetermined number,
which are connected to respective inputs of CPU 21.
In the circuit of FIG. 4, random number generator 26 generates
random numbers in a predetermined range of numerical values, and
sampling circuit 27 samples one random number within a
predetermined time period after start lever 5 has been operated.
The random number thus sampled is evaluated to determine whether it
pertains to the predetermined winning area stored in the memory
portion of ROM 22, and if it does pertain to the winning area, a
"winning request signal" is generated.
After rotatable reels 4L, 4C, and 4R have been driven into
rotation, the number of driving pulses supplied to each of stepping
motors 15L, 15C, and 15R is counted, and the counted value is
written in a predetermined area (not shown) within RAM 23. A reset
pulse is delivered from reels 4L, 4C, and 4R during every rotation,
and these pulses are provided to CPU 21 via reel position detector
circuit 34. CPU 21 clears the counted value of the driving pulses
stored in RAM 23 to "0" by a reset pulse delivered in this manner.
Thus, the counted value corresponding to a rotation position in a
range of one rotation with respect to each of rotatable reels 4L,
4C, and 4R is stored within RAM 23.
A symbol table (not shown) is stored within ROM 22 and contains the
rotation positions of rotatable reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, and the
symbols (not shown in this figure) are correlated to such
rotational positions. In addition, a winning symbol combination
table is stored within ROM 22. In this winning symbol combination
table are stored data corresponding to the winning symbol
combinations, the numbers of coins of dividend for winnings, and
the winning determination codes that represent the winnings. The
winning symbol combination table is accessed when control over
rotatable reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is being executed, and the winning
confirmation is executed after all rotatable reels have been
stopped.
In addition, within ROM 22, there are stored a plurality of image
display data for executing the secondary game mentioned later by
liquid crystal display 6.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for
executing a principal game (first game) using rotatable reels 4L,
4C, 4R and a game (secondary game) that employs liquid crystal
display device 6, that is executed separately from the principal
game. In the figure, step numbers of the operation procedure are
indicated by ST1, ST2, etc.
The procedure is executed by CPU 21 within microcomputer 20 used
for the game controlling arrangement of slot machine 1. However,
when the display arrangement, such as liquid crystal display device
6, is itself provided with a CPU as a display controller, such a
CPU may be used to determine the display image depending on a
display command (e.g., display commands corresponding to the types
of wins or losses) from CPU 21 of the game controller.
Referring to FIG. 5, in the beginning state, the gaming machine
(slot machine 1) has been supplied with power. A player performs
necessary operations. The player inserts coins into coin entry slot
7 (ST1), and then operates start lever 5 or spin switch 8 (ST2)
after operation of 1-BET switch 9 or the maximum BET switch 10.
Reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are caused to rotate and the variable display
is started (ST3). At this time, the determinations of winning/not
winning and type of stop pattern (combination of symbols) are
executed based on the random number extracted by random number
sampling (ST4). Thereafter, it is judged whether the inning request
signal is generated (ST5). Depending on the result of the
judgement, the stop control of the rotation of reels 4L, 4C, 4R is
executed. When the winning request signal is generated, the stop
control is executed so as to indicate a winning pattern
(combination of the symbols) (ST7) and when the result of the
determination is "NO," that is, when the winning request signal is
not generated, the stop control is executed so as to indicate a
pattern (combination of the symbols) showing "loss" (ST3).
In the procedure mentioned above, the variable display of ST3 is
effected by CPU 21 supplying driving signals to motor drive 31, and
thereby driving stepping motors 15L, 15C, and 15R, and rotating
reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. In addition, the winning judgement of ST4 is
realized by a random number that is sampled from random number
generator 26 on a suitable timing and the value of a random number
extracted is evaluated to determine the group to which it belongs,
in the predetermined winning area. When the result of the
determination is "NO," CPU 21 delivers signals for controlling to
stop rotation of reels 4L, 4C, and 4R at the symbol display
positions corresponding that corresponding to a kind of "loss" to
motor drive 31. When the result of the determination is "YES," CPU
21 delivers signals for controlling to stop rotation of reels 4L,
4C, and 4R at the symbol display positions corresponding that
corresponding to a kind of "win" to motor drive 31 (ST7).
CPU 21 delivers coin pay out command signals corresponding to the
various types of win to a hopper drive circuit 32, and executes the
pay out of predetermined number of coins from hopper 30 (ST 8). At
this time, a coin detector 35 counts the number of coins paid out
from hopper 30, and when the counted value reaches the
predetermined number data, the coin pay out completion signal
generator circuit 36 generates coin pay out completion signals that
are inputted to CPU 21. CPU 21 stops the drive of hopper 30 via
hopper drive 32, thereby completing the procedure of paying out
coins.
In addition, CPU 21 determines whether or not the secondary game is
executed, and more specifically, whether or not the pattern
(combination of the symbols) indicated as stop pattern is a pattern
(combination of the symbols) predetermined so as to cause
indication of a corresponding symbol image on liquid crystal
display device 6 (ST 9).
In this case, the secondary game is executed only when one of the
patterns of the principal game performed by the variable display
(i.e., combinations of the symbols such as "7-7-7" and others) is
one that has been predetermined from all patterns to execute an
indication for the secondary game stands in the central winning
line in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R as stop pattern.
When the determination of ST9 is "YES," a symbol image selected
from the predetermined symbol images is indicated in a display area
corresponding to the symbol image selected from display areas 6a1,
6a2, 6a3 of symbol image display portion 6a (ST10). For example, as
shown in FIG. 6, one of symbol image "7" that looks like the symbol
"7" shown on the reels is indicated in upper display area 6a1 of
symbol image display portion 6a.
On the other hand, when the determination of ST9 is "NO," the game
becomes end without execution of the secondary game.
Then, a determination is performed (ST11) whether the secondary
game has become complete or not. The condition for completion of
the secondary game includes, for example, a condition where any one
of the display areas is filled with the symbol images (the display
area does not have space for indication of the symbol image any
longer) by repeated indications of the symbol images.
When the result of the determination of ST11 is "YES," coin pay out
command signals are delivered to hopper drive circuit 32, thereby
paying out predetermined number of coins from hopper 30. Although
the number of coins to be paid out may be fixed to a certain
number, it may be varied corresponding to the kind of symbol image.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the case where the secondary
game is completed by the symbol image "7" the number of coins to be
paid out is 500, in the case of the symbol image "3BAR" the number
is 100, and in the case of the symbol image "2BAR" the number is
50, respectively. Accordingly, interest of the secondary game can
be enhanced much.
When the result of the determination of ST11 is "NO" the game is
ended while the indication of liquid crystal display 6 remains
unchanged.
After completion of coin pay out operation of ST12, CPU21 executes
a reset operation of symbol image display portion 6a (ST13) for a
game to be played next, thereby indicating a reset screen in symbol
image display portion 6a to end the game.
As the reset operation, there are provided two kinds of reset
operations, specifically a "one area clear system" (referring to
FIG. 10, detail will be described later) by which only the display
area filled with the symbol images is cleared from the symbol
images to blank, and an "all areas clear system" (referring to FIG.
11, detail will be described later) by which all of the display
areas are cleared from the symbol images to blank. CPU 21 executes
the reset operation by selecting one system from these two systems
according to random number sampling. Of course, the execution of
the reset operation may be limited to one of both systems. Also,
there may be provided a manually operable member for selecting a
reset operation by a player's operation.
Also, as to the symbol image indicated in the display area filled
therewith, number of coin allotment may be changed by
multiplication or addition (referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, which
will be described later).
Next, there will be explained symbols shown in display windows 3L,
3C, 3R as described above and symbol images indicated in display
areas 6a1, 6a2, 6a3 of the symbol image display portion 6a, of
liquid crystal display 6.
FIG. 6 shows a state when rotations of three reels 4L, 4C, 4R are
respectively stopped. At this time, three symbols of "7" stand in
winning line 14 of display windows 3L, 3C, 3R to show a winning
state. This winning pattern "7-7-7" is a predetermined state that
causes the secondary game to be executed. In this case, one symbol
image of "7" is indicated in upper display area 6a1 of symbol image
display portion 6a.
FIG. 7 shows a winning state where three symbols of "3BAR" stand in
winning line 14 of the display. This winning pattern
"3BAR-3BAR-3BAR" is also a predetermined state that causes the
secondary game to be executed. In this case, one symbol image of
"3BAR" is indicated in middle display area 6a2 of symbol image
display portion 6a.
FIG. 8 shows a winning state where three symbols of "2BAR" stand in
winning line 14. This winning pattern "2BAR-2BAR-2BAR" is also a
predetermined state that causes execution of the secondary game. In
this case, one symbol image of "2BAR" is indicated in lower display
area 6a3 of symbol image display portion 6a.
Thereafter, when any of the predetermined states that cause the
secondary game to be executed is displayed when the rotation of
three reels 4L, 4C, 4R is stopped, the symbol image corresponding
to the predetermined state displayed is indicated in display area
6a1, 6a2, 6a3 of symbol image display portion 6a. If there is a
symbol image already being indicated in the corresponding display
area, the new symbol image is additionally indicated to the right
side the previously indicated symbol image. Thus, the symbol images
are indicated one-by-one successively and horizontally in each
display area. When any one of the display areas is filled with a
predetermined number of the symbol images, so as to reach a win
(goal) of the secondary game, a predetermined number of coins are
paid out.
The coin allotment is determined in response to the symbol image of
each display area 6a1, 6a2, 6a3. For example, the coin allotment as
to the symbol image "7" is preset as 500, the coin allotment as to
the symbol image "3BAR" is preset as 100, and the coin allotment as
to the symbol image "2BAR" is preset as 50, respectively.
Accordingly, there are indicated "500," "100," and "50" in the
upper, middle and lower display portions 6b1, 6b2 and 6b3 of
allotment display portion 6b, respectively.
FIG. 9 illustrates a state where three "3BAR" symbols stand in
winning line 14 and a plurality of the "3BAR" symbol image is
displayed in middle display area 6a2 in sufficient number to fill
display area 6a2 with the "3BAR" symbol images. This condition
corresponds to a win of the secondary game. In this case, 100
pieces of coins are paid out.
As mentioned above, the player can enjoy the secondary game as
"race game" in which each symbol image competes toward a goal at
the right-hand end of each display area.
Further, to the extent that the player plays the principal game
repeatedly, the symbol images of the secondary game continue to be
indicated until the secondary game is completed. Accordingly, the
player can see from the secondary display the history of appearance
of each winning state and also recognize what kind of winning
pattern of the principal game is close to causing a win of the
secondary game.
FIGS. 10 and 11 show symbol image display portion 6a after a reset
operation has been executed after a win of the secondary game.
FIG. 10 shows the symbol image display portion 6a after execution
of reset operation by "one area clear system." In the "one area
clear system" only the display area that is filled with symbol
images is cleared from the state of being filled with corresponding
symbol images to a blank condition. In the case of a win of the
secondary game mentioned above, only middle display area 6a2 of
symbol display portion 6a is filled with symbol images "3BAR."
Accordingly, after execution of the reset operation by "one area
clear system" as shown in FIG. 10, the symbol images indicated only
in middle display area 6a2 of symbol display portion 6a
disappear.
FIG. 11 shows symbol image display portion 6a after execution of a
reset operation in accordance with an "all areas clear system." In
the "all areas clear system" all display areas are cleared from the
symbol images to blank at the time when the secondary game becomes
win. As the result, the symbol display portion 6a has no indication
of symbol image at all.
As shown in FIG. 10, after execution of the reset operation in
accordance with the "one area clear system," many symbol images are
still indicated as to the symbol image "7." Accordingly, even after
disappearance of all of the "3BAR" symbol images, expectation of a
win of the secondary game can still be present. However, as shown
in FIG. 11, after the reset operation in accordance with the "all
areas clear system" the player is discouraged by the instant
disappearance of all symbol images previously indicated.
FIG. 12 shows an indication of liquid crystal display 6 in
"multiplied allotment system" in which coin allotment is multiplied
as to the symbol image with which a display area is filled, after
execution of the reset operation.
In the case where display area 6a2 is filled with symbol images
"3BAR" (FIG. 9), after execution of the reset operation in
accordance with the "one area clear system" the indication in
middle display portion 6b2 (allotment display portion corresponding
to symbol image "3BAR") of the coin allotment display portion 6b on
liquid crystal display 6 is changed from 100 to 200, that is, a
doubling of the number value. Thereafter, each time when the reset
operation is executed after display area 6a2 is filled with symbol
images "3BAR" the indication is changed to "400," then to "800." As
to the other symbols, the allotment is changed in the same manner
as mentioned above. As to symbol image "7," indication in upper
display portion 6b1 of coin allotment display portion 6b is changed
from 500 to 1000. As to symbol image "2BAR," indication in lower
display portion 6b3 of coin allotment display portion 6b is changed
from 50 to 100.
FIG. 13 shows an indication of liquid crystal display 6 in "added
allotment system" in which coin allotment is added by a
predetermined number as to the symbol image, with which a display
area is filled, after execution of the reset operation.
After execution of the reset operation in accordance with the "one
area clear system" as mentioned above, the indication in middle
display portion 6b2 of coin allotment display portion 6b on liquid
crystal display 6 is changed from 100 to 150. That is, the
indication becomes a value produced by adding 50 to the previous
value. Thereafter, each time that the reset operation is executed
after display area 6a2 is filled with "3BAR" symbol images, the
indication is changed to "200," and then to "250." That is, a new
value is produced by adding 50 to each previous value. As to the
other symbols, the allotment is changed in the same manner as
mentioned above. As to symbol image "7," the indication in upper
display portion 6b1 of coin allotment display portion 6b is changed
from 500 to 550. As to symbol image "2BAR," the indication in lower
display portion 6b3 of coin allotment display portion 6b is changed
from 50 to 100.
As mentioned above, the allotments indicated in display portions
6b1, 6b2, 6b3 of coin allotment portion 6b are respectively
increased each time that the secondary game is won. Therefore, the
player can easily recognize what kind of symbol image has often
been indicated in the past (what kind of winning state has often
appeared in the principal game by the reels). In other words, the
history of each symbol image can be represented by the indication
of coin allotment display 6b.
The above-mentioned "multiplied allotment system" or "added
allotment system" can also be executed in the reset operation in
accordance with the "all areas clear system." Also, the allotment
may be limited to a predetermined maximum value, and when the
allotment reaches the maximum value after repetition of games, the
value of the allotment may be returned to the initial value.
FIGS. 14 to 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. In
accordance with this further embodiment, the secondary game is
executed when a predetermined state is presented as the stop
pattern of the reels of the principal game. Moreover, number of
symbol images indicated at once in symbol image display portion 6a
is varied in response to each predetermined state that has
appeared. Each of FIGS. 14 to 18 shows a display state in display
windows 3L, 3C, 3R when the rotation of the reels is stopped,
accompanied by an indication of the symbol image in symbol image
display portion 6a that corresponds to the display state.
In this embodiment, the principal game is played with the use of
rotatable reels 4L, 4C, 4R having attached thereto respective
symbol sheets, the symbols that are used in the secondary game
having no relation to a winning condition of the principal game, as
an alternative to the symbols arranged on the surface of the sheets
shown in FIG. 2. For example, one of the two symbols of "2BAR"
arranged on reel sheets 4C, 4R of FIG. 2, respectively, is replaced
by a symbol ("double 2BAR" mentioned later) prepared for executing
the secondary game. Also, one of the two symbols of "3BAR" arranged
on reel sheets 4C, 4R, respectively, is replaced by a symbol
("triple 3BAR" mentioned later) prepared for executing the
secondary game. Furthermore, one of the two symbols of "7" arranged
on reel sheet 4R is replaced by a symbol ("double 7" mentioned
later) prepared for executing the secondary game. Corresponding
reel sheets are used.
In FIG. 14, a pattern of "2BAR-2BAR-double 2BAR" is displayed in
the winning line 14 of display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. More
specifically, in winning line 14 of display windows 3L, 3C, 3R is
arranged a combination of "2BAR" images including one image of
"double 2BAR." In this case, two symbol images of "2BAR" are
indicated at once in display area 6a3 of symbol image display
portion 6a.
In FIG. 15, a pattern of "2BAR-double 2BAR-double 2BAR" is
displayed on winning line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. More
specifically, on winning line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R is
arranged a combination of "2BAR" symbols including two symbols of
"double 2BAR." In this case, four symbol images of "2BAR" are
indicated at once in display area 6a3 of symbol image display
portion 6a. In other words, symbol image of "2BAR" is indicated as
a double number of "double 2BAR" symbols standing on winning line
14.
There will be described below a change of number of symbol images
indicated at once in each display area 6a1, 6a2, 6a3 of symbol
image display portion 6a when a combination of symbol "3BAR" or "7"
including symbols prepared for executing the secondary game
mentioned above are arranged on winning line 14.
In FIG. 16, a pattern of "3BAR-triple 3BAR-3BAR" is displayed on
winning line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. More specifically,
on winning line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R is arranged a
combination of "3BAR" images including one image of "triple 3BAR"
that is prepared for executing the secondary game. In this case,
three symbol images of "3BAR" are indicated in display area 6a2 of
symbol image display portion 6a.
In FIG. 17, a pattern of "3BAR-triple 3BAR-triple 3BAR" is
displayed on winning line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. In this
case, six symbol images of "3BAR" are indicated at once in display
area 6a2 of symbol image display portion 6a. In other words, a
"3BAR" symbol image is indicated of triple number of "triple 3BAR"
symbol standing on winning line 14.
In FIG. 18, a pattern of "7-7-double 7" is displayed on winning
line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. More specifically, on
winning line 14 in display windows 3L, 3C, 3R is arranged a
combination of "7" images including one image of "double 7" that is
prepared for executing the secondary game. In this case, seven
symbol images of "7" are indicated at once in display area 6a1 of
symbol image display portion 6a. If on winning line 14 would be
arranged a combination of "7" images including two or more images
of "double 7," the symbol image of "7" is displayed 7 times the
number of "double 7" symbol standing on winning line 14.
As mentioned above, in the case where symbols such as "double
2BAR," "triple 3BAR," and "double 7" that are advantageous for the
secondary game though the symbols have no relation to a win of the
principal game, are arranged on the reels, a player can expect a
win of the secondary game even if a win of the principal game
cannot be obtained.
In addition, each symbol of "double 2BAR," "triple 3BAR," and
"double 7" may be determined so as to generate an allotment
corresponding a win in the principal game when a predetermined
combination of the symbol with the other symbols is appeared in the
principal game, though each symbol was determined to have no
relation to a win of the principal game in the above-mentioned
example.
Furthermore, the secondary game is quickly advanced by increasing
the number of symbol images indicated at once in the secondary game
screen, thereby increasing the frequency of wins of the secondary
game. As a result, the player does not tire of the secondary game
and can maintain a feeling of expectation with respect thereto.
Also, the amount of awarded profit given to the player is increased
in the case of a predetermined state, that has a low probability of
appearing in the principal game, illustratively the winning pattern
"7-7-7," by increasing the number of symbol images indicated at
once in the secondary game screen.
Though the above-mentioned embodiment is directed to a slot
machine, the present invention may be applied to a video poker (a
gaming machine) that is provided with a variable display for
performing a poker game.
For example, when a winning combination of card symbols of a poker
game such as "three of a kind," "full house," "straight flush," or
the like is displayed in variable display portion, corresponding to
the combination displayed, a symbol image such as "2BAR," "3BAR,"
"7," or the like is indicated in display area 6a1, 6a2, 6a3 of
symbol image display portion 6a. Further, as a condition to playing
the secondary game, without utilizing a winning combination of card
symbols of poker game, a specific combination of card symbols may
be determined.
FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of display elements formed as a
video screen 4' of a variable display that displays graphical
elements for a poker game and liquid crystal display 6' for
executing a secondary game. Although five cards of Ace of spade,
Queen of clubs, 5 of heart, 5 of club and Queen of spade are
indicated in video screen 4' when variation action of the variable
display is stopped, the combination of these five cards does not
correspond to a winning combination of the poker game. Also, the
combination displayed as the result of the poker game is not
predetermined as a combination that is to execute the secondary
game. As shown in FIG. 19, no symbol image is indicated in any of
display areas 6'a1, 6'a2, or 6'a3 of display portion 6'a of liquid
crystal display 6'. Each time that the poker game results in a
state that shows a combination of five cards that has been
predetermined to execute the secondary game, a symbol image
corresponding to the card combination shown is indicated
additionally one-by-one in the corresponding display area until the
display area is filled with the symbol images. In this embodiment,
when any one of the display areas is filled with the symbol images,
the secondary game is completed. Moreover, if a special combination
of card symbols other than the mentioned above is displayed, the
number of symbol images indicated at once in each display area
6'al, 6'a2, 6'a3 may be changed.
As described above, the secondary game played on the secondary
display screen is separate from the variable display that displays
the principal game, but is related to the result of the principal
game, thereby enhancing the player's interest in continuing to play
the entire game. The secondary game on the secondary display screen
proceeds while indicating histories of the (winning) states
displayed in the past by the variable display. Therefore, the
player can know whether the completion of the secondary game is
near or not. Also, it is easy for the player to know at glance what
kind of (winning) pattern has to be displayed in the principal game
for completion of the secondary game so that the player may play
the game with high interest and expectation. The player can
endeavor to win the principal game by paying attention to the
progress of the secondary game, thereby greatly elevating the
player's interest in the game.
Although the invention has been described in terms of specific
embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in
light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without
exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the claimed
invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and
description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate
comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to
limit the scope thereof.
* * * * *